Related Experiment Videos
A prospective randomized trial of topical pimecrolimus for cetuximab-associated acnelike eruption
Alon Scope1, Jocelyn A Lieb, Stephen W Dusza
1Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10022, USA.
Background:
Clinical trials addressing the acneiform rash associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are lacking.
Objective:
We evaluated the ability of topical pimecrolimus to reduce the severity of cetuximab-related facial rash.
Methods:
In all, 24 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with cetuximab facial rash received twice daily pimecrolimus application for 5 weeks to half of the face. At baseline, week 2, and week 5, a dermatologist performed facial lesion counts, patients reported perceived severity of rash-related symptoms, and standardized facial photographs were obtained for blinded evaluation of global rash severity.
Results:
Treatment sides had greater decrease in lesion counts than observation sides of face at weeks 2 (P < .001) and 5 (P = .02). However, there were no significant differences in patients' assessment of symptoms and in review of facial photographs for rash severity between treatment and observation sides.
Limitations:
This study was not placebo controlled.
Conclusions:
Pimecrolimus application did not translate into clinically meaningful benefit for patients with cetuximab-related facial rash.
Insights
Topical pimecrolimus did not significantly improve the patient-reported severity of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced acneiform rash. While lesion counts decreased on treated areas, the overall clinical benefit was not meaningful.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acneiform rash is a common side effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.
- Clinical trials investigating treatments for this rash are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical pimecrolimus in reducing the severity of cetuximab-induced facial rash.
- To assess the impact of pimecrolimus on lesion counts and patient-reported symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 24 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer experiencing cetuximab-related facial rash.
- Pimecrolimus was applied twice daily to one half of the face for 5 weeks.
- Dermatological assessments included lesion counts, patient symptom reporting, and blinded photographic evaluation.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in lesion counts was observed on the pimecrolimus-treated side compared to the untreated side at weeks 2 and 5.
- No significant differences were found in patient-reported symptom severity between the treated and untreated sides.
- Blinded photographic review also showed no significant difference in overall rash severity.
Conclusions:
- Topical pimecrolimus application did not lead to a clinically meaningful benefit for patients experiencing cetuximab-related facial rash.
- The study was not placebo-controlled, which is a limitation.
- Further research may be needed to identify effective treatments for EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform rash.
